Johnson & Johnson-Merck recall Mylanta over labeling

Johnson & Johnson (J&J), the world’s largest health-care products company, announced another product recall this Wednesday. This time the recalled drug involves Over the counter (OTC) Mylanta and Alternagel, a heartburn medicine, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson-Merck Consumer Pharmaceutical Co. at a plant in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

J&J pulled 12.3 million bottles of Mylanta and 85,000 bottles of Alternagel from retail and wholesale locations in the US and Puerto Rico. The recall was initiated after an internal review that revealed the presence of alcohol from flavoring agents was not noted on the packaging. According to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), certain flavoring agents contribute small (< 1%) amounts of alcohol. J&J acknowledged that “It is unlikely that use of these products will cause either alcohol absorption or alcohol sensitivity related adverse events”.

J&J advised to consumers that there was no consumer safety concern related to the recall, and the products can still be used as directed. The recall was not related to any safety problems with the drugs.

Well! Readers if you have been using any of the recalled drugs (Mylanta/ Alternagel) or have recently purchased them, you might not have to worry about it and might continue to take the medication. The recall was made for not mentioning the alcohol content on the label. But, do check the product recall list and call the concerned contact if you have any questions.